Sign up to green waste before end of month

Gardeners who use Bracknell’s green waste collection are reminded an annual charge is being introduced this month.

Bracknell Forest Council will charge up to £26 per year to residents who purchased a brown bin on or after December 5 last year.

Those who bought a brown bin from the council before that date are exempt from the charge for a year.

However, Steve Loudoun, chief officer for environment and public protection, said: “Residents who are exempt from the first year of payment still need to opt-in to ensure their garden waste is collected from May.

“We have sent out around 14,500 letters to residents and around 10,000 have registered. But those who haven’t need to register for the scheme by the end of this month.”

Councillor Dorothy Hayes, executive member for the environment, said: “Owing to a £6 million funding gap in the council’s budget for the 2011/12 financial year, we had to make some tough decisions, which includes introducing a fee for garden waste collection.

“Residents who opt out of the brown bin collection service will still have the choice to receive a fortnightly collection of garden waste by purchasing biodegradable garden sacks from selected outlets.

“Garden waste can also be taken to Longshot Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre, which is open daily excluding Christmas Day. Alternatively home composters can be bought at local garden centres.

“We are delighted with the response so far, but would encourage those who haven’t yet registered to do so by the end of April.”

Wokingham Without residents who pay their council tax to Wokingham Borough Council will be charged £60 annually from this month.